Paulo Sousa has been appointed as QPR's new first team coach.
The 38 year-old, who won 51 caps for Portugal during an illustrious playing career and spent five years as assistant to Luis Felipe Scolari with the Portuguese national team, has penned a two-and-a-half year contract until the summer of 2011.
Sousa, who will retain the services of temporary caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth, takes charge of QPR's next Championship fixture at Watford on Saturday.
Sousa said: "It is an honour to be part of this project. I have always wanted to work for a big Club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers.
"I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management.
"I believe in playing positive, attacking football. To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this, both for ourselves and for the fans.
"I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
Rangers chairman Flavio Briatore said: "Paulo is a very good appointment for this Football Club. I have been keeping track of his work for the last few months and he is the right man for our project.
"He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach. He has worked with some of the World's best players and we are excited about having him.
"His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."
Briatore added: "I would like to thank Gareth Ainsworth for his contribution as Caretaker Manager and confirm that he still has a very important role to play at this club. He is QPR through and through and will work very closely with Paulo as we build for a successful future."
